The Context for Leadership in 21st-Century Organizations

Abstract

“Environmental turbulence” and high degrees of interdependence create dilemmas and paradoxes for organizations. Because critical thinking is a primary tool for dealing with dilemmas and paradoxes, the support and encouragement of critical thinking is a key characteristic of effective leadership processes. The context of current and future leadership challenges is described. The process approach to leadership is discussed and critical thinking is related to leadership. Ideas about developing leadership for the future context and current examples of such efforts are provided.